“Hear the future and prepare for it” is the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) message for World Hearing Day 2018. To that end, Total Hearing Care advises everyone to take care of their hearing health.

Take action for hearing health on World Hearing Day

On World Hearing Day, March 3rd, 2018, Total Hearing Care hopes to encourage more people to be mindful of their hearing health.1 Based on statistical projections, the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that the prevalence of hearing loss is set to increase globally, and this World Hearing Day discusses how preventative measures could help curb the rise. With more than 5% of the global population already affected by disabling hearing loss2, now is the time to raise awareness and address why people do not recognize the signs when they are affected.

Causes of hearing loss

Many things can cause hearing loss – both in and out of our control. The most common include:

Exposure to excessive noise

Genetic causes

Complications at birth

Certain infectious diseases

Chronic ear infections

Certain medications

Aging2

Approximately 60% of childhood hearing loss is due to preventable causes.2 Although not all hearing loss can be prevented, we can take action to take better care of our ears, such as wearing ear protection when working with loud machinery. More importantly, we can pay more attention to our hearing and seek advice from an expert if we have any concerns.

Hearing loss can be a slow process, so it can be difficult to read the signs of deterioration, and in many cases, is easily ignored. In comparison to loss of sight, hearing loss is not always noticeable. Many people have a vision test annually to maintain eye health. Unfortunately, many people don’t take the same precautions for their ears, because hearing is as important as sight.

Knowing the signs of hearing loss

One key element to maintaining hearing health is paying attention to the early signs of hearing loss, such as:

Having the television or radio consistently at a loud volume

Struggling to follow conversations (especially in noisy environments such as restaurants)

Asking people to repeat themselves often

Withdrawal and isolation to avoid tough listening situations

Repositioning to point your ears toward sound

Not hearing the phone ring, the doorbell or sirens

Untreated hearing loss can be detrimental

Our professionals urge you to address the symptoms of hearing loss. We advise you begin with a professional hearing assessment* to eliminate guesswork. Untreated hearing loss can cause serious long-term conditions, especially later in life, so we implore everyone to maintain their hearing care now.

Hearing loss has a number of side effects. Untreated, hearing loss can cause people to withdraw from socializing and lead to feelings of isolation and depression. Several studies have concluded that hearing loss contributes to the early onset of dementia, including the recent study authored by the Lancet Commissions on Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care.3 Addressing hearing loss is key to remaining cognitive and socially active.

Hearing loss is widespread – and growing

According to the WHO, approximately one third of people over 65 years of age are affected by disabling hearing loss2 and are potentially at risk of affecting their overall health if untreated. With the number of people aged 65 and above predicted to have doubled in 2050 compared to today4, age-related hearing loss is almost certainly a contributing factor to the increasing prevalence of hearing loss. That’s partially why the WHO’s slogan for 2018 is “Hear the future and prepare for it.” Now is the best time to act.

How can you take action on World Hearing Day?

Just by reading this to educate yourself, you are taking an important step. If you have concerns about your hearing, or have someone in your life who shows signs of hearing loss, make an appointment for a free, no-obligation hearing assessment* so you can learn more about your individual needs. Call (877) 323-8968 for more information.

Hearing loss is a universal problem. It can affect anyone no matter their gender, age, race or any other socio-economic factors. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 15% of all Americans over the age of 18 have reported some trouble with hearing. And that is only the reported cases. Many view hearing problems as a bothersome nuisance not worthy of professional assessment. Even worse, some people who have severe hearing difficulties feel stigmatized by their deficit. So they refuse to acknowledge their weakness or learn to hide the symptoms from others.

Your hearing is a worthy investment

Luckily, you have invested time in learning about your hearing health and today’s treatment-based solutions. Hearing aids have served as an important investment for a long time. New technology has produced multiple designs and styles of hearing device. You have many choices in terms of models and technology that will suit your own individual needs. One of the biggest innovations – that is sure to delight both prospective and veteran hearing aid wearers alike – is the launch of Oticon’s rechargeable hearing aid.

The next step in convenience

The Oticon Opn rechargeable ZPower™ option is revolutionary in both design and convenience! Oticon’s current line of hearing devices sport a smaller but more powerful design. Yet one issue was never addressed… until now. Oticon Opn MINI RITE™ charges overnight so you can enjoy a day full of confidence knowing you can live your life without worrying about your hearing aid’s batteries!

More than “just” rechargeable batteries

As well as being rechargeable, the Oticon Opn has other customizations that you may wish to discuss with a hearing specialist. One of the most popular new options is Tinnitus SoundSupport™. Even though it is not an actual form of hearing loss, if you suffer from tinnitus, you are well versed in the frustration and fatigue it causes. With Tinnitus SoundSupport™, your device can help manage this condition with soothing sounds that are fully customizable to be unique to your own needs! Want to hear the calming comfort that only the ocean’s waves can provide you? With Tinnitus SoundSupport™, your Oticon hearing device will have you lying on your own personal mental beach!

Upgrade options for Opn users

Current Opn users: your hearing device is not being forgotten or left behind. You can bring your Oticon Opn miniRITE™ devices to your local hearing specialist to upgrade them to use rechargeable batteries. This new technology would save you 150 – 200 batteries a year.

The choice is yours

Disposable batteries can still serve a use to any Opn device. Carrying around a spare pair can serve as a backup if you forget to recharge. It is inevitable – even the most ardent charger of their hearing device will find themselves low on battery level at some point.

Take the next step

If you are interested in learning more about these new technological breakthroughs and the complete line of Oticon hearing aids, contact us at (877) 323-8968 or schedule an appointment. Learn about the multitude of choices that await you and your unique lifestyle with Oticon.

Hearing loss is a universal problem. Because no one hearing loss may strike anywhere, the Oticon Hearing Foundation was formed. It seeks to empower those with hearing loss to communicate, interact and participate actively in life. The foundation’s goals are:

To empower a “Community of Caring” – complete with a group of credentialed hearing care professionals that provide access to community-based hearing care.

Increase public awareness on hearing loss and understanding of the toll it takes on the impoverished communities worldwide.

Through treatment, empower individuals to live with a full quality of life no matter their social status or monetary means.

Supporting people at home and abroad

The Oticon Hearing Foundation strives to support all local communities and their residents’ hearing health. The hearing care professionals that service your local community may be taking part in their latest humanitarian endeavor to collect and donate gently used hearing devices. The foundation supports reconditioning used devices. They are then given to one of the many missions launched to help the hearing health of impoverished communities across the world. Your local hearing care professional may have an Oticon Hearing Foundation donation box at their clinic. If not, you may still join the “Community of Caring” by following these easy steps:

How to donate

Remember to include your name, address and email. All qualifying donations are tax-deductible. Oticon Hearing Foundation is a non-profit 501c3 organization. The foundation will send you a donation tax receipt.

Why help?

Your donation helps provide invaluable resources in fighting hearing loss worldwide. Hearing health is important here at home, too. At Total Hearing Care we strive to create and promote hearing treatment solutions to fit every unique lifestyle and need. This is why we welcome you to not only become more informed about programs benefiting your local community. Most of all, this effort starts with becoming aware of your own hearing health. Because knowledge is power in the fight against hearing loss, call us at (877) 323-8968 for your free hearing assessment.

Although it’s too late to enjoy Cochella in California, The Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island or GrassRoots in New York State, there’s still time to enjoy music this summer and fall in the beautiful outdoors. So, make sure you keep these important tips in mind.

Take precautions if you are going to be in an unusually loud environment. It may seem counter-intuitive, but if you are at a concert, ear plugs are a smart choice. We love concerts, but we don’t love the high decibel levels. Depending on where you stand, the amplification and the acoustics, you could be putting your ears in danger. Remember, if you are going to attend a very loud event and you already wear hearing aids, talk to your hearing care professional about how to handle it. You may still need to wear your hearing aids – to hear your friends, if not the music.

Give your ears a break

For every 60 minutes of excessive sound, give your ears equal amounts of “rest.” If you cannot leave the venue, try to find a less noisy spot, as far as possible from the amplifiers. One sign that your ears have enough is if you hear residual ringing after you have left the venue. Like after an evening in high heals or tight toes, your ears have a way of saying enough is enough.

The hearing aid wearer’s golden rule: keep your hearing aids dry

It’s less fun to be outdoors in a pouring rain, but the show must go on. If you wear hearing aids, remember to cover them up. Hearing aids are mini computers. Even getting a little wet may cause problems for their electronic components. Make sure when you are out in the open, you keep them protected from any elements, including rain, sprinklers and even excessive sweat.

Invest in earplugs

Worried about seeming uncool? Some professional-grade ear molds focus on discretion as a key component of their design. So no one needs to know you’re using them. If you are bringing children with you to any concert, it is always a good idea for them to wear noise-cancelling ear phones or other protection. Once you lose your hearing through noise exposure, the damage is irreversible. Speak with a hearing care provider to order your own fitted hearing protection. If you are concerned about past exposure to excessive noise, make an appointment today.

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*The purpose of this hearing assessment and/or demonstration is for hearing wellness to determine if the patient(s) may benefit from using hearing aids. Products demonstrated may differ from products sold. Test conclusion may not be a medical diagnosis. The use of any hearing aid may not fully restore normal hearing and does not prevent future hearing loss. Testing is to evaluate your hearing wellness, which may include selling and fitting hearing aids. Hearing instruments may not meet the needs of all hearing-impaired individuals. One offer per customer. Insurance benefit, including Managed Care or federal reimbursements, cannot be combined with any of our promotional offers, coupons or discounts. Other terms may apply. See office for details.